Why does it feel like every single time Oxford plays New Hope the Trojans do some of the most trashy things to them?

I do not know the answer, but it comes up in nearly every single sporting event. Lafayette has SOME class when it comes to playing a game. Sure you want to beat the snot out of Lafayette or Oxford when those two play but never to the point where someone made a cheap shot tactic to get ahead. If Lafayette wins, they have likely earned it, the same way when Oxford put a beat down defensively on Lafayette in football this year. You'll have some jawing but it never amounts to more than that during the game.

What I saw this past Friday Night the play right before halftime in Oxford's 29-17 win is alarming. It was not just one person, it was the entire team doing so.

OHS QB Parker Adamson was in 4th & a mile with 2 seconds left before halftime and was going to throw a hail mary or some long pass down field to have any chance of scoring before halftime. Two Trojans managed to get to Adamson and was wrapping him up to bring him down for a half-ending sack. A third Trojan came in unblocked and made a clear hit at Adamson's head. The hit knocked Adamson down immediately and he did not move.

While he was completely motionless (and with the OHS trainers running to him), the entire New Hope sideline and fanbase was roaring with laugher, celebrating, chest-bumping, hugging, some directed straight at Adamson - and when I say 'entire', that included the coaches, two of which were flexing in the direction of Adamson - who was motionless, not moving at all - on a hit that should have been flagged for either a personal foul (helmet-contact) or unsportsmanlike conduct (and extended the half because of the foul) which the referees completely missed. The way they celebrated was like they had just won the game, and they were still DOWN 12-10 going into the locker room.

It took a good 1 1/2 minutes before Adamson was able to move, and another minute before he could get up and luckily was able to walk off under his own power and be able to play in the 2nd Half.

The hit could have easily injured Adamson with a Concussion or even a neck injury for the way he went down (and was lucky to avoid any injury at all). For a team to be celebrating because they could have injured Oxford's presumed 'Star' player and put him out for the rest of the game is the classless act that makes every other team out there hate New Hope (like many we know along the Highway 82 belt-way). The New Hope trainers (probably the only people on that side not celebrating) had to dodge several people on their sideline celebrating before they could get to OHS trainers attending to Adamson - which is very sad because it happened on their end of the sideline no further than 7-8 yards away.

The fact that they would celebrate someone getting (potentially) seriously injured is low, VERY low. No other team would do that except New Hope - and it is not the first time that has happened. Two years ago, Guy Cameron Billups was punched in the helmet while he was chasing down a player after a turnover had happened - no call was made on that either and New Hope proceeded to score on that return.

The fact that their game plan seems to include knocking out the Quarterback from the game is classless and needless to say it is wrong. It is exactly why the New Orleans Saints are in the deep trouble with the NFL that they are in now, for this very thing - except of course that included money to be involved in that situation.

I've heard arguing with calls, the Trojan fans directly coming to the OHS press box/table to have a few "kind" words on multiple occasions (which is already VERY rude to do at an opponent's home in the first place), I've even overheard people that work in the press box degrading and insulting our Football Team after we lost one year - but no, they will never admit to that. It is these such acts that has Oxford for the most part giving zero respect to how New Hope conduct themselves and their comments that many should - actually need to - keep to themselves.

If New Hope wants ANY respect from Oxford in any future, these acts MUST be cleaned up. There is a reason New Hope fans/players/coaches in the minds of Oxford fans/players are considered classless - and in most cases are such - by acts such as the one made before halftime last Friday Night. Karma in that game came back to bite them this time.

Key: MP = Maxpreps, USAT = USA Today, MPB = Mississippi Public Broadcast, AP = Associated Press, CL = Clarion-Ledger, NR = Not Ranked / For ranking use in the article, AP will be used first, if not ranked in AP (uses only Top 10) then CL (only Top 10), then MPB, then USA Today, then Maxpreps

The lowdown: No. 8-ranked Oxford Chargers got the start it wanted last week, handling Center Hill 40-27. It was not as close as the score would indicate as Oxford had 2nd & 3rd String players in the game throughout much of the 4th Quarter and really could have scored closer to 50 points.

For the New Hope Trojans, it was the exact opposite. They lost to Saltillo 42-22 at home last week. Saltillo, a team that went 2-9 and winless in Region 1-5A play last year, ran away from New Hope in the 2nd Half outscoring them 37-14 (they had a baseball-like 8-5 score at halftime).

Both of these teams missed the playoffs last year despite both leading off Region play 1-0 last year. New Hope won last year's meeting 43-22 to get to a very good position of being 2-0 in 1-5A play. The 43 was the most New Hope scored in a single game last year (which has to make Oxford sick that they even lost to them). This was also New Hope's last win of the year - as they proceeded to lose 5 straight to finish the year at 4-7 and 2-5 in 1-5A play. They have gone 2-8 since defeating Oxford last season.

Oxford does not want the same thing to happen to them this year as it did last year after handling an opponent from the previous week (especially one that went on to win 1-5A). There was a distinct lack of effort in the game last year and the fallout that occurred from it was giving up huge plays en route to being routed on a team that was inept offensively for most of the year - except against Oxford.

For whatever reason, New Hope gets that spark inside of them when they play Oxford, no matter what records both teams have and who (clearly) had more talent. The Trojans have won the last three meetings against the Chargers. Whatever motivates them or whatever they have against Oxford to beat the Chargers has worked for the past three years.

This is a MUST-WIN game for Oxford, this is their second of three major tests for this Charger team this year. The first was getting over the Lafayette hump after coming close way too often. The second one is this week: getting over this New Hope hump - a team that just seems to have Oxford's number. If Oxford is going to not just make the playoffs but also get a home game for the playoffs in the first round and also have any chance at winning 1-5A, this is a game Oxford MUST win.

Not only is this a must win for Oxford, but for New Hope too. They can ill-afford to be in a 0-2 hole and make the playoffs with the 1-5A favorite West Point looming at the end of their schedule and defending 1-5A champion Center Hill also still on their schedule.

For Oxford to win they must: Stay focused for 48 minutes - In two of those three meetings against New Hope, Oxford had an early lead, but lost it and never caught back up to get it back. All three times against New Hope, Oxford had not played a 48 minute game. If Oxford plays their brand of football for 48 minutes (or however long they wind up needing) and stick with the game plan - much like they did against Lafayette, the Chargers should go 2-0 for the 1st time in region play since 2006.

Have no let downs - This goes for not just recent meetings with New Hope, but how they have played their past two games. Oxford built a 20-0 lead against Center Hill and a 17-0 lead against Senatobia. Both leads were nearly diminished in both games before halftime allowing them to have some sort of hope going into the second half (no pun intended). In the last two times against New Hope, Oxford had a 14-8 lead before coughing up 17 2nd Quarter points to trail 25-14 at halftime before losing 38-27. In the other game, the Chargers also led 15-9 in the 3rd Quarter before New Hope caught fire and outscored Oxford 34-7 in a 2nd Half rout. Oxford needs to have some sort of complete effort like the game against Lafayette and the Chargers should be able to beat New Hope.

Let the "special" players do their work - Not just QB Parker Adamson and his WR army on offense, but Kicker/Punter Cody Mills and what he does for this team. Oxford was successful in two onside kicks last week against Center Hill and has routinely kicked the ball into the end zone for touchbacks when he is not doing so - making kickoffs unpredictable to prepare for. He's also been able to boot punts much further than 30-35 yards every now and then (the average for a decent high school punter) and is able to kick Field Goals consistently if Oxford stalls in the Red Zone. Special Teams is critical in winning the field position battle and Oxford has the player that can win that battle every single time - it is near impossible to stop or even prepare for.

For New Hope to win they must: Do something to stop this offense - This is a team that has had a bunch of highs and lows on defense this year, and you cannot go much lower than giving up 42 to Saltillo who won its first region game in quite some time. They had also given up 60 to Noxubee County this year (albeit, having 7 interceptions committed by their offense in that game is not going to help your defense). But, they had given up just 9 to a decent 6A Columbus team and shutout Caledonia this year. This defense needs to rebound against Oxford and stop this potent offense from at least getting into the end zone. If New Hope loses because Cody Mills kicked 7 45-yard Field Goals, then they will go away not feeling that bad about their defensive effort, but they simply cannot allow Oxford to reach the end zone.

Have a short memory - Their defeat at home at the hands to Saltillo needs to leave their minds. As bad as that was, they need to focus on this game and try to rebound and get back to .500 not just overall but for the all important region record. As mentioned before, New Hope is facing an 0-2 hole if they lose this game, but they can be 1-1 and hold the tiebreaker over Oxford in the case of a tie in region records should they win. This game may make or break their season, they must put Saltillo in the rear-view mirror.

Then again, Have a long memory - As in, they know how to beat Oxford; they have done so the last three times. The seniors on New Hope's team does not know how to lose to Oxford (the only team this group of Seniors have not lost to in their region). If they can find that switch to turn on like they have the last two times against Oxford, they stand a good shot as any to pull the upset - again.

Weather: 75*F - Cloudy to Isolated Thunderstorms (20-30% chance) - Winds from the N-NNE at 2-8 MPH. Bring weather gear as it could possibly rain. The temps are expected to go down to the upper 60s by the end of the game.

Other Notes: This is New Hope's first trip to Bobby Holcomb Field since New Hope and Oxford became Region opponents in 2009. New Hope's "other" trip to Oxford was played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on the Ole Miss campus because Bobby Holcomb Field was flooded throughout the week and was unplayable. This is Oxford's first home game since the "Bright Lights" game against Lafayette in August. This will be the last football game to have a 7:30 PM start time this season due to the heat that August and September bring. All remaining games will have 7:00 PM start times after this game.

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As a common courtesy, Oxford Football would like to thank Buffalo Wild Wings for the Pre-Game meal they gave to the team last week before heading to Center Hill.

This was the place I intended to go to last week - however the place was booked up with all the Texas fans in town to go along with the Ole Miss fans that are usually here and their big pocketbooks. This was rumored to be booked up for a day for a 6-digit figure but turned out it was not. This week, Ole Miss was on the road, so it was open to the public this time.

I mean why not? This place has some of the best food Oxford has to offer. It is one of the most gourmet restaurants in town - and of course one of the most expensive ones as well - but there is a portion of the menu for the casual guest for an average price of $15 per person. The place is located on the Oxford Square sandwiched between Old Venice Pizza and Square Books on the Southwest Corner.

City Grocery is now 20 years old, opened in 1992 and has served Oxford well for all 20 of those years. It has become one of the most popular restaurants to go to during a football weekend (and last weekend was no exception). For this place to be open for as long as I have lived in Oxford, I have never been to this restaurant. I had to go and check this place out.

For one, I probably should have dressed a little nicer before heading into this place (I came in a soccer T-shirt and sweatpants - silly me) but no matter, they still treated me like any other customer and the waiters/waitress' were very kind. No matter what you decide to order, you get a complimentary pair of cornbread with a side of butter along with a glass of ice cold water when you sit down (there is a reason the prices are what they are here).

There is a wide variety to choose from on the menu, and most of it is nice dishes you would normally see on the Food Network. Their menu changes from season-to-season, because most of the ingredients they receive are from local products from around North Mississippi and are grown during different parts of the year, so their menu is not the same year-round.

For the most part, their menu is consistent where they have a choice of "Small Plates" (Prices range from $9-$13 per plate), "Leafy Plates" ($8-$14), there is usually one Soup choice involved ($5-8 dependant on season), Sandwiches ($10-$12), a "Large Plates" menu ($14-$19), and finally a Desserts menu ($7-9).

Among the beverages, they do serve Coke products and a wide variety of beer choices to go along with the Ice Water I fore-mentioned that is given to you whatever you want it or not.

Outside of normal drink choices, they serve a LARGE selection of wines. You can order wine by the glass (ranges from $5-$12 per) which they come from all over the world (mainly they have wine from California and from France, Spain, Italy and New Zealand). Or you can get them by the bottle (They will range anywhere from $20 to as much as $165 a bottle - of course that is dependant on what type of wine you want). There are also dessert wines by the glass.

If you want a more formal dinner, expect to pay at least around $25 per person. If you are looking more for a meal that won't break your budget, about $15 is about average if you want a drink outside of the Ice Water they give.

They just brought out the "Early Fall Lunch for 2012" menu out and I wound up having the "Chicken Liver Po-boy". As the name would suggest, it is a sandwich that has crispy cornmeal dusted chicken liver w/ Red Onion (which I left out of my sandwich), baby mustard greens, peach mustard and buttered french bread. (The meal is pictured above) Along with the sandwich came a side of Regular Lay's-like potato chips (It was not lay's because these chips were pretty crispy than a normal Lay's chip) along with a small helping of coleslaw sprinkled with a leaf seasoning around the plate.

I was able to purchase a meal that did not kill me in my wallet for lunch but it is hard to pull off (I wound up not ordering a soda drink and simply had the Ice Water that was given to me). This is certainly a place to go to if you want to take someone on a date or reserve for a special occasion. If you plan on pigging out, you better have the money to pay for it all. This place certainly should be on your bucket list of restaurants to go to if you plan to visit Oxford - or if you are like me, a place you should check out at least once.

"Respect the Hill" is the slogan Center Hill High School has adopted. The Oxford High Cheerleaders answered with their run-through sign "Respect OUR Hill" (or Hills really) - as in respect Oxford Head Coach Johnny Hill, Offensive Coordinator Stan Hill and Defensive Backs Coach Jake Hill. It was booed off almost immediately by the Center Hill Student Section.

Oxford's Hills and their players toppled the Center Hill Mustangs (1-4, 0-1 in 1-5A) 40-27 to start region play on the right foot. The 10th-ranked Oxford Chargers (5-0, 1-0) got off to a quick start and never allowed Center Hill to catch up all game long.

Oxford started off moving the ball fairly easily on the Mustang defense but was halted when OHS QB Parker Adamson under-threw a pass to Toler Presley and was intercepted. Center Hill QB Jacob Marsh would fumble the handoff on the very first snap following the pick; Oxford would fall on it at the Center Hill 15. Oxford would cash in on the short field with a Conrey Meagher 1-yard run. Cody Mills would hook left the PAT to keep the score at 6-0.

Center Hill was able to get a big play to their stud WR D'Marius Gillespie - the state's leading receiver in receptions - to reach Oxford territory, but a bad pitch on an option play allowed Oxford to fall on the ball. Oxford would respond 2 plays later with a strike to Glen Gordon and out ran the Center Hill secondary for 76 yards. Mills would convert the PAT and would do so the rest of the night to lead 13-0.

Oxford would force a stop and then drove on the Center Hill defense again. Adamson would find Nick Brown - the 5A leading receiver in yards - for 38 yards to go up 20-0 early in the 2nd Quarter. It would seem like a blowout was about to occur for the third straight week for the Mustangs who were beaten 52-7 and 43-7 the previous 2 weeks.

Well...no, Oxford showed that it cannot prevent the big play. Center Hill was able to pop a 73-yard rush to get back into the game. The fake PAT was overthrown so the lead was cut to just 20-6.

The ensuing Oxford possession, Adamson made a rare bad decision and threw an interception straight to the Center Hill safety. The Mustangs would be able to cash in. The PAT was good to cut the Oxford lead to 20-13.

After back-to-back stops by both defenses, Oxford was able to drive the ball down to the Center Hill 29 but stalled out. Cody Mills was able to kick a Career Long 46-yard Field Goal to increase the lead to 23-13 with 32 seconds left before halftime.

The ensuing kickoff was an onside kick attempt that Oxford was able to recover on a well-executed kick that went high in the air and landed square on the 50-yard line and even took a couple extra yards after that before anyone was able to touch it. Oxford fell on it and was back in business. Oxford was able to drive it to the Center Hill 30 but the Mustang defense came up big and sacked Adamson and kept the Chargers off the scoreboard going into halftime with Oxford ahead 23-13.

During halftime, Center Hill received a rare Delay of Game penalty because the Center Hill band took too long to perform their halftime routine. The 20-minute halftime clock expired before they left the field. After Oxford forced a 3 & out, the Chargers moved the ball with ease, helped out with Personal Foul Face Mask and Pass Interference penalties on the drive. Gordon was able to punch it in from 7 yards out and the lead was back out to 30-13 early in the 3rd.

The Mustangs were not done yet. Center Hill was able to drive it to the Charger 23 but faced a 4th & 3. Not only were they able to convert but were able to score on a 23-yard pass play to make it 30-20 after the made PAT.

Oxford late in the third would drive it to the Center Hill 8 but even after a Pass Interference Penalty on 3rd Down against the Mustangs, Oxford could not punch it in after 6 plays inside the Mustang 10. Mills would slice right a 27-yard Field Goal but a running into the kicker penalty allowed him another chance. Mills would be able to convert from 22-yards out to increase the lead to 33-20.

Oxford would convert another onside kick which was argued by the Center Hill head coach - who was plenty hot already from all the penalties he saw go against his team in the 3rd quarter alone - and earned an unsportsmanlike penalty allowing Oxford to start at the Center Hill 35. The drive would spill over into the 4th Quarter where Jarius Barnes would punch it in from 4 yards for a put-away Touchdown to go up 40-20.

The Chargers were able to get a few stops and allowed the 2nd-stringers and even some Freshmen who were along with the Varsity team for the first time this year some playing time. Center Hill would get a late Touchdown on the second-string team to make the final score 40-27.

Oxford will face the New Hope Trojans at Bobby Holcomb Field next Friday. Center Hill will travel to Lake Cormorant.

As many know, I am a referee for most recreational sports done by the Oxford Park Commission. Outside of what I do for Oxford, I referee Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball and scorekeep Baseball games (and they want me to umpire Baseball this upcoming year). Soccer is my main refereeing sport and so far I have earned an USSF Grade 8 badge for my work. I referee around 100 tournament games around the state and at ODP Camp (Olympic Development Player Camp) per year to go along with the amount of rec games I do. I have a lot of experience when it comes to being a head referee in each sport.

I just got done watching Oxford defeat Center Hill 40-27 in football. Throughout much of the 2nd Half, it seemed like every single call was going against the Mustangs. There were several calls that was questioned by the Center Hill coaching staff including both onside kicks Oxford was able to recover in the game. The call though I believe started the domino effect was when Center Hill's band was called for Delay of Game penalized against the team via having the Halftime clock expire with their band still on the field doing their halftime routine. They also had their dance squad perform a halftime routine to lead off halftime with the OHS band sandwiched in-between the two routines.

I have seen this just once before with Pearl's band introducing each Senior band member WELL after the halftime clock had ended during the playoffs around 2-3 years ago.

At one point during an Oxford possession in the 3rd Quarter, Oxford's Jarius Barnes was tackled for a 3-yard loss to prepare an upcoming 3rd down play, a flag was thrown by the back judge for what was a Personal Foul Face Mask penalty. (Note: I'm up in the press box where I can hear much of what is being said by the OHS coaches, Don & Denny who do Radio & TV for Oxford and usually I can hear the main press box crew on the home side) Everyone who had a high enough view saw the Face Mask during the play and figured that was the call (because it happened on the opposite end of the field).

It took the officials at the game 2-3 minutes to finally make the call to the dismay of everyone wearing Red & Black. It was not so much the call that managed to tick off the Mustang sideline further, it was the timing and how much time it took to make what appeared to be a simple penalty to call where the coaching staff was expecting a much different call. Frustration mounted from there.

After Oxford scored a Field Goal in the 2nd Half, the Chargers pulled and onside kick that was recovered just across the 50 yard line. Oxford had previously recovered an onside kick right before halftime that was argued by Center Hill that it did not go 10 yards. On the first one, I had the advantage of looking back on the game tape I was filming to see the ball clearly strike the 50 yard line (thus having the ball clearly traveled the 10 yards required before Oxford could touch it) and then going another 1 1/2 yards before a mad pile went after it. It squirted back across the 50 and then knocked back across again before Oxford fell on it.

On the 2nd onside kick, the kick was dribbled across the 50 and then Oxford fell on it immediately, catching the Mustangs off guard and not having the reaction time to try to fall on it. Center Hill's coaching staff went on to argue that call that it did not go 10 yards and the frustration just took over. The head coach was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and almost earned much more than that; things started to unravel from there. It was at this point where the officials lost nearly all control of the game and I was surprised there were not any ejections. From that point on, pushing and shoving (and kicking at one point which I'm fixing to get to) between players started to happen. This situation was not handled very well by the officials and should have known that tempers would flare because of previous calls that occurred prior to the onside kick play and the reaction they had to those previously.

Early in the fourth quarter where Center Hill had to go for it on 4th Down down 20, Center Hill tried to throw a pass to the left but fell incomplete. A flag was thrown in the area where the QB was on his back and an Oxford defender was looking down at him almost looking like he was saying something to taunt him. It was a complete shock to the Center Hill fan base (and me at first) when the foul was actually on Center Hill and I found out later that the Center Hill QB kicked the Oxford defender while the QB was down instead of unsportsmanlike conduct or a late hit foul and an automatic first down against Oxford.

That put more fire into the bonfire already torched on the Center Hill sideline and fans in the stands from a slew of calls that have gone against them and not getting unrealistic calls that looked like the same thing (but was not) that Center Hill was called for that they wanted, where it appeared Oxford did something dirty from the way it looked and Center Hill got punished for it.

Those situations above was just a fraction of what went on during the game. The control of the game by the officials at the game was awful to the point where I was afraid a fight was fixing to break out or someone was going to get injured. Plays were being extended after the player was clearly being driven backwards. Several of what I considered late hits occurred on both teams that would have warranted a penalty that were penalties during the course of the game on other plays. This looked like the NFL referees in the Monday Night game last week where they almost allowed control to go beyond the refs. These are the types of things that start fights and brawls and having several people ejected. Luckily it did not get down to that point and cooler heads prevailed.

This game with all that went on throughout the game and especially in the second half was lucky to not have more than a kick or a single push or a single shove where it could have multiplied very quickly.

Center Hill has a classy bunch over there with a passionate student fan base (it was shown last year during the Girls Basketball North Half Final game when they bused a student section down and did the same thing when they upset Lainer). Cool heads were overheated tonight but they still shook hands at the end. There was no real doubt as to who earned the win in this game as Center Hill put themselves in an early 20-0 hole and never found a way out. Fans do get really ticked when every single thing is not going their way, I have been there several times.

Officials MUST do a better job than what was shown at CHHS tonight, the calls was mainly accurate, none of the "50/50" ones went their way and the officials did a really poor job of making the calls in a timely manner and likely explained it to the point where some things should not have been said - we do not really know the conversations that occur at the sidelines - but I have a hunch that the head referee said a few choice words tonight after all the heat he took from their coaching staff. Once that got out of hand, they almost could not control the player's actions - and that is a worst case possible.

Referees are there to enforce the rules of the game and to control the stuff the players and especially the coaches might flare up - and to know exactly what to do and know what they are doing when stuff like this DOES happen. I know that, I have to do that almost on a daily basis during the rec soccer season.

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Key: MP = Maxpreps, USAT = USA Today, MPB = Mississippi Public Broadcast, AP = Associated Press, CL = Clarion-Ledger, NR = Not Ranked / For ranking use in the article, AP will be used first, if not ranked in AP (uses only Top 10) then CL (only Top 10), then MPB, then USA Today, then Maxpreps

The lowdown: The "pre-season" is over now. The four games prior to this week were basically pre-season games - games that do not count for anything but bragging rights (especially with the Crosstown Classic). Region play starts tonight for the No. 10-ranked Oxford Chargers and the defending 1-5A Champions Center Hill Mustangs; Games that count toward the playoffs in November.

Oxford comes into this game at 4-0 for the first time since 2006 when Oxford started 8-0. Center Hill comes into this game at 1-3 and reeling from being routed in back-to-back weeks by two Tennessee teams in Briarcrest - the High School current Ole Miss Head Football Coach Hugh Freeze coached at - and No. 12-ranked Tennessee team Christian Brothers. Both teams are literally about 10 miles away from Center Hill so this isn't really much of a road trip - their football field is just 400 yards south of the Tennessee State Line.

The Mustangs are at home for the second straight week but are still struggling to find some consistency with their team. The Mustang offense has scored just 5 more points (14) than the number of Turnovers (9) in their last two games. That usually leads to the defense being put out on the field way too often and points being scored on. The Center Hill defense has put up 2 solid efforts in their first two games, but has given up 95 points in their last two. There aren't many defenses that can bail a team out over and over when a team commits that many Turnovers, especially if you are out on the field more often than the opponent's defense.

The Chargers meanwhile are coming off an off week, having last played two weeks ago at Senatobia - the High School Freeze played for (ironic, right?). This almost makes the perfect trap for Oxford to come in and be rusty after not playing for the last 13 days. That also means the defense should be fresh and ready to go after the 1-5A region schedule. The OHS defense has looked good throughout four games so far and they look to continue to keep it that way.

Oxford won last year's meeting in Oxford by a score of 34-14. That was also the one game Mont Dean was suspended for violating team rules. Center Hill reeled off 6 straight victories afterward to claim the 1-5A Region Title last year including beating West Point which went down to the wire. Oxford proceeded to have a difficult time with their region schedule and did not make the playoffs. Even though the paths after last year's game went in opposite directions than the outcome of the game, both teams would love nothing more than to start 1-0 in 1-5A play.

For Oxford to win they must: Make this Game Count - well, because these are the games that DO count. The 4-0 record means squat, it just looks good and that is all that it counts for - along with an unwanted target on their backs. Those wins do not count toward making the playoffs; these next 7 games are the ones that count. Oxford needs to play like it has the first four weeks of the season and they should be fine.

Finish in the Red Zone - Against Senatobia, Oxford in the Red Zone in the 1st Half had a Turnover on Downs, a lost Fumble, and 2 Field Goals - albeit one was with very little time left before Halftime and they had just gotten into the Red Zone on the previous play. 4 Red Zone Possessions - 0 Touchdowns, almost like the Lafayette game. Oxford did score Touchdowns from 21 and 22 yards out but technically weren't in the "Red Zone" (being at or inside the opponent's 20 yard line). The 2nd Half proved a different story as Oxford did score 2 TD's in the Red Zone from 11 and 5 yards out. Oxford needs to finish drives with Touchdowns much more often than they have been doing. This offense can be scary if they can just finish drives when they get into the Red Zone - and can put games away much quicker.

Play solid "D" - The big play bit them in the butt last game with 2 70+-yard runs (and should have been 3 had it not been for a penalty on Senatobia on a pass play). That kept Senatobia within striking distance going into the 2nd half. The biggest reason why Oxford has given up points at all is because of the big play. Oxford needs to make Center Hill earn its points by making the Mustangs drive the ball, not give up the Home Run play like it has happened several times so far this year when Oxford has given up points.

For Center Hill to win they must: Find Their Offense - Through 4 games so far, the Center Hill offense has scored just 44 points - good for just 11 points per game. They must find something that works on an Oxford defense that has shown to be stout against opponents like Grenada, Charleston, and Lafayette - two of which are defending State Champions. A good way to find their offense is to find D'Marius Gillespie who leads the state in total receptions with 27.

Win Field Position - i.e. protect the football and do not give little to defend for the Defense. A good part of the reason they have given up 95 points in their last two games is that they have had 9 Turnovers. That may stand as to why they have been routed the past two weeks to good Tennessee teams besides the defense not performing well, their offense is not helping any by coughing up the ball and putting their defense against the wall. (No rhyme pun intended)

Remember that They Have Been Here Before - Center Hill came into last year's game against Oxford at 1-3. They did lose the game to go 1-4 but they still won Region 1-5A last year because Oxford failed to make the playoffs and they won their remaining 6 Region games to finish at 6-1 in the Region and defeated West Point to claim the title. Just because they are 1-3 does not mean they are dangerous when the games that count start - and this game counts.

Weather: Mostly Cloudy (20% chance of Rain) 77*F at Kickoff. Winds from S-SSW at 8-15 MPH (Weather is for the Olive Branch, MS location). Temps will be in the upper 60s by the end of the game. There is a chance for a stray thunderstorm but it is a very small chance as weather for all other hours of the day and night is clear.

Other Notes: Center Hill is 0-5 all time in Football Region Openers (they have never started 1-0 in Region Play in Football) - this being just their 6th year to play football. However, in their last three times they have started 0-1 in Region play, they have since been a combined 15-1. D'Marius Gillespie of Center Hill leads the State of Mississippi in total Receptions with 27 (for 208 yards and 2 TD so far). Nick Brown of Oxford leads 5A in total Receiving Yards with 332 Yards and 4 TD - despite not having a catch against Senatobia.

This week though I had to change plans because the place I wanted to go for Week 5 was booked for the weekend - no matter, I'll go there next week. I will though go to another place I had planned to go to later on in the season. That is Christy's Hamburgers.

This place was born in Starkville, MS and got a reputation of having the best Hamburgers in the "Golden Triangle" region (that is the area of West Point, Columbus and Starkville). They have since franchised out to Columbus, Tupelo, St. Louis, MO, and one right here in Oxford. It's location is at the Goose Creek Mall which is across from the Super 8 Motel on West Jackson Avenue.

This is quite the simple restaurant as there are not many things on the menu, but the reason why they are successful is because of the simple menu because they make their food so well. The Christy's in Starkville is certainly on my bucket list of restaurants to go while on the road. For now though, I have to settle for the one in Oxford.

The simple menu obviously has Hamburgers. All Hamburgers come plain (bun and meat - extras like cheese and bacon will come upon request for an extra cost), because there is a separate condiments bar where you can place the tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, mustard, mayo and whatever else.

The "Big Christy" is your simple 1/3 LB Hamburger. The Double (2 patties) and Triple (3 patties) Christy is your normal hamburger upgrade you would find at any other restaurant that sells hamburgers. All of the burger orders can be made "baskets" which is crinkled fries and a drink for just three dollars more.

They do sell other sandwiches besides hamburgers. The Philly Cheese Steak, Buffalo Chicken and Grilled Chicken sandwiches are there along with Catfish sandwhiches - or if you are in the St. Louis Christy's, Cod Sandwiches (but not Catfish). Those can also be made into baskets.

There is also a choice of three platters. There is the Chicken Tender, Buffalo Chicken and Catfish platter. All platters will have four tenders/fillets along with fries and a drink.

There is also the option of a Garden Salad (from the toppings bar) and a Grilled Chicken Salad. The kids can have either the "Baby Christy" or Chicken Tenders. Both come with fries and a drink.

The drinks are all Coke products and they do serve Tea. The fries are either crinkled or "spicy" fries for sides. They have also just added milkshakes with flavors of Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.

For the second week in a row, I decided to play it simple. I got the normal Big Christy Hamburger and got it as a basket. The fries are not anything special though but the burger is the draw of this restaurant and it did not disappoint. The overall pricing for a meal is around $8-$12 dependent of course on what you get.

I wish the one in Oxford was a little more decorated, but if you love their burgers - like Phillips Grocery was last week - you will not really care what the restaurant looks like because the food is SO good.

Ole Miss does not have a home game next week so surely all the Ole Miss - and Texas fans for that matter - have not booked the place I want to go for next week.

Week 4's Pre-Game meal brings me to Phillips Grocery - home to the No. 1 Burger in the USA. It is located at the 3-way Stop just Southwest of Baptist-Memorial Hospital on South Lamar Blvd.

Ironically, the website for this restaurant was created by Leigh Anne Higbee (formerly Leigh Anne Ross) who attended Oxford High School her Freshmen and Sophomore Years prior to moving to Madison, MS to finish at Madison Central. (Website: http://www.phillipsgrocery.com)

That's besides the point of the restaurant that it is very successful and very old-fashioned. It is almost by itself as a place to get food (the closest restaurant from Phillips Grocery is the Popeye's on Highway 7 about 3/4 of a mile away), therefore it is a common place for nearby workers (mainly Doctors) to come by and eat lunch. If you have bought an OHS discount card from any of the Football players before the season started, you can use the card for a free drink when you purchase a burger.

What makes this restaurant successful besides the friendly service is that the prices are very cheap - especially when using the discount card for a free drink. My total order did not even cross $6 which makes this a very economical place to eat.

Phillips Grocery serves Breakfest and Lunch every day except Sunday.

For Breakfest, their main items are Ham and Eggs and there is the option to add Bacon or Sausage. You can also put Ham, Eggs, Sausage, Bacon or even Chicken Tenders on a Biscuit and have it with Cheese. The typical options of having Jelly or Gravy on your Biscuit are also available.

For Lunch, their burger options start off with a regular 1/4 LB burger and can be upgraded to a Cheeseburger, a Deluxe (1/3 LB) Burger (or have it w/ Cheese), a Bacon Burger (w/ Cheese), a Chili Burger or have a "Phill-up" Burger (Ham, Bacon w/ 2 Cheeses)

They do serve other items besides burgers. Among their Deli Sandwiches, they have Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef (all can add cheese to it), Philly Cheese Steak or Chicken, Club or BLT Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, Hot Dog (w/ Chili Cheese), Veggie or Catfish Sandwich, the Shrimp or Oyster Po-Boy, the Chicken Tender Sandwich, the Grilled Chicken sandwich or "Malibu" (Ham w/ Swiss Cheese), or finally you can have the Chicken Tender, Catfish or Grilled Chicken Basket.

They do offer salad options which include the Garden Salad, Chef Salad, Chicken Tender Salad or the "Low Carb" Grilled Chicken Salad.

Among their side orders which can be added to any of the lunch options include Hand Cut Fries, Seasoned Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Okra, Cheese Sticks, Corn Nuggets, Fried Pickles, Fried Mushrooms, Jalapenos w/ Cheese, and Chips.

There is a kid menu available which the options include a "Kiddy Burger", "Kiddy Cheeseburger", "Kiddy Chicken Tenders" and a Hot Dog along with a small drink - all orders include Hand Cut fries.

They do offer desert which includes Fried Pies, Caramel Cheesecake or the different cakes they have on display when you enter the Restaurant (cakes include Carrot, Caramel, Strawberry, Chocolate, and Lemon).

The drink options are minimal where Fountain Drinks and Water is available along with Coffee in the mornings.

They do offer "After Hour Rentals" where parties of 20-50 people can come and rent the place out for a few hours and order food. Alcohol is permitted but must order a food item from the restaurant to be allowed to do so.

This place offers the down-to-earth place to eat away from the hectic lives we all live in Oxford for. There are many different interesting things to look at and a TV is available (which was turned to ESPN while I was in there) and you don't have to sit inside. Their burgers are top notch, because that is what I had. A burger and Season fries, simple yet satisfying. That is how they roll and I suggest at least everyone to make at least one trip to this place while in Oxford during the day time.

The Chargers (4-0) was able to run away from Senatobia (2-2) in the 2nd Half and finished with a score of 34-14. Parker Adamson finished with a stat-line of 26-for-39, 331 Yards, 2 TD's and more importantly 0 Interceptions for the second straight week.

Oxford jumped out to an early lead on its second possession that started on the Senatobia 31 - largely due to their first drive ending at the Warrior 1 with a turnover on downs and then forcing a 3-and-out. Parker threw a pass intended for Conrey Meagher but it went through his hands - and went straight into Joey Walden's hands who took it 21 yards for the game's first Touchdown. The first of 4 successful Cody Mills extra points was good and Oxford led 7-0.

After trading punts and back-to-back fumble plays by both teams, Adamson found Tyrell McGee for a 21 yard Touchdown reception to take a 14-0 lead. Mills would tack on a Field Goal on the next drive to take a comfortable 17-0 lead.

The lead was TOO comfortable.

The ensuing Senatobia drive, they found a busted hole for an 80 yard Touchdown run up the right sideline. The first of 2 PAT's was good to cut the lead to 17-7.

After an Oxford punt, Senatobia was simply trying to run out the clock but the Chargers fell asleep again and allowed a 72 yard Touchdown run to allow the Warriors back into this game with the score at 17-14 late in the first half.

Oxford was able to put together the 2-minute offense and drive it back down the field with just 49 seconds to work with close enough for Mills to hit a 20-yard Field Goal as time expired before halftime to extend the Charger lead to 20-14 at the break.

The Chargers on their opening drive of the second half saw them finish it off with a Meagher 11 yard run to extend the lead back out to 27-14.

Oxford's defense was up to the challenge of not allowing another big run play and held Senatobia in check throughout the second half. Oxford would score once more early in the 4th Quarter on a 5 yard Courtland Barnes carry to make the ending score 34-14.

Among notable stats: Oxford ran 79 plays to Senatobia's 45 - controlling the Time of Possession. Oxford only allowed 55 yards in the second half after allowing 226 in the 1st half - 152 on two big run plays.

Key: MP = Maxpreps, USAT = USA Today, MPB = Mississippi Public Broadcast, AP = Associated Press, CL = Clarion-Ledger, NR = Not Ranked / For ranking use in the article, AP will be used first, if not ranked in AP (uses only Top 10) then CL (only Top 10), then MPB, then USA Today, then Maxpreps

The lowdown: No. 17-ranked Oxford comes into this game with a 3-game winning streak - their first such streak since reeling off 5 in a row in 2010 before losing to West Point to end the season. The Chargers are coming off of beating their Crosstown Rival the Lafayette Commodores 19-0 in dominating fashion that was shown on National TV, breaking numerous streaks and statistical items.

There has been a reputation of OHS students coming to away football games. However more often than not they do not know where they are going. Well look no further. Here are the directions to this year's venues we will be visiting: (All directions will be from Oxford / Each map is to their respective football field, pin is the location)

To Senatobia (44 Miles):

Take Miss-6/US-278 West (21 Miles)

Bear Right to I-55 North (20 Miles)

Take Exit 263 (Miss-740) turn left at end of ramp (1 1/3 Miles)

Turn Right to US-51 North (1 3/4 Miles)

Turn Left to Browns Ferry Rd. (1 1/4 Miles)

Turn Right to Matthews Dr. (400 feet)

Football Field is on the Left

To Center Hill (56 Miles):

Take Miss-7 North (27 Miles)

Turn Left to US-78 West (20 Miles)

Take Exit 10 (West Byhalia) turn right at end of ramp (600 feet)

Turn Left to Miss-178 West (Old Hwy 78) (2 Miles)

Turn Right to Center Hill Rd. (6 1/4 Miles)

Turn Left to Looney Rd. (1 Mile)

Football field will be on Left (Parking is further down)

To Hernando (58 Miles):

Take Miss-6/US-278 West (21 Miles)

Bear Right to I-55 North (36 Miles)

Take Exit 280 (Hernando) turn right at end of ramp (1/4 Mile)

Turn Left to McIngvale Dr. (1/2 Mile)

Turn Left to Dilworth Ln (Hernando High School) (1/4 Mile)

Football Field is on the Left

To West Point (84 Miles):

Take Miss-6/US-278 East (22 Miles)

Turn Right to W. Oxford St. towards West Pontotoc (Miss-338/Old Hwy-6) Continue past the Hwy-9 JCT to Spur St. (7 Miles)

I was recently taken out of my sleep schedule for an unnecessary and empty attack alerted to me by my iPhone on my personal Twitter Account which I'm known to updating Oxford scores and other stuff. After all, it IS my personal account.

I was falsely accused of degrading and insulting people by an OHS alum (who's name I will not put over this website) over my Twitter Account (which the person has since deleted)

That is some way to treat someone, by degrading them yourself - and doing so at 2-3 in the morning, actually ruining a life schedule at the same time.

This is just a friendly reminder that I'm allowed to have a life and have my own opinions - like say right now.

I have inadvertently done this just once - by pure accident based on another tweet on another account people took too seriously - and I've publicly apologized over Twitter for it (as "Oxford Chargers" as the name before I changed it to "Ben Mikell" like it is today so it can be shown this is my personal account that I simply use the handle "OxChargerSports" for).

I'm being followed by 580+ people on Twitter. If I had ever degraded someone or insulted someone over Twitter "24/7/365" (like in one tweet said), I'm sure that I would see a significant drop off in followers. Newspapers won't be following me for updates for those such immature tweets that will appear on their timeline - and I have several MSU fans following me mind you.

I support the Oxford Chargers and my hometown Ole Miss Rebels. The OHS alum has degraded them and me both at the same time - even to their OWN high school. The vast majority of my tweets are in support or updating scores of Oxford and Ole Miss. I've been told over and over that I cannot be thanked enough for all I do for OHS (and I'm sure all you students, parents think that too). I also have several coaches at OHS watching my back (and every tweet).

Whatever this maybe a joke or not or if he is an OHS alum, I will not allow someone to degrade Oxford High School - or heck, wake someone up at 2 AM and screwing up a sleep schedule I finally had down just to be messed up. Any other person would be rightfully ticked that someone woke them and cannot fall back to sleep.

You can resume your Labor Day Weekend. You can find the OHS Events schedule for this week (HERE).